ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with the National Heritage and Culture Division on Wednesday launched the Heritage Education project, under which 10 institutions of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) will offer this education as well as a pilot phase.
The programme includes educational visits to Lok Virsa Museum, enabling students to explore its collections, archives and artefacts, alongside hands-on engagement with six art forms: clay pottery, truck art, patchwork, jewellery making, the rubab and digital art.
According to FDE, these activities will provide opportunities to understand the history, skills, stories and creative expressions embedded in Pakistan’s cultural traditions.
FDE started that the launching of this project marked an important step towards connecting students with Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage through experiential, creative and inquiry-based learning.
The initiative was inaugurated by Federal Secretary Education Nadeem Mahbub, in collaboration with Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani here at Islamabad Model College for Girls F-10/2. “The initiative reflects the vision of promoting heritage as a meaningful educational resource that can nurture curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and a lasting connection with students’ cultural roots,” FDE stated.
During the launch programme, FDE Director Sameena Zia presented the rationale, objectives, implementation framework and proposed way forward for Heritage Education.
The pilot will be implemented in ten selected FDE schools and colleges, targeting middle-school students in Classes VI to VIII. Highlighting the importance of recognising heritage beyond familiar cultural symbols, the FDEDirector General Javed Mirza drew attention to the historical and archaeological wealth of Pakistan, particularly the Gandhara civilisation and its connections with the Potohar region.
He underscored the importance of helping students discover significant heritage sites and historical narratives associated with Islamabad and its surrounding areas, enabling them to appreciate the country’s place in the broader history of human civilisation.
The Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, welcomed the initiative and appreciated its potential to serve the younger generation.
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
